Feb 06, 2026

Senior Operating Officer - full-time - 1st shift - Mon-Fri

Job Description

Why CMHA?
Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc. (CMHA) is a private non-profit treatment provider headquartered in New Britain, with seven locations throughout the city and in Waterbury. We partner with clients and the community to promote recovery from mental illness and substance use, treating more than 7,500 adults and children each year. CMHA is Connecticut’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and is a SAMHSA Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). Visit cmhacc.org to learn more.
Internal mobility and career pathing is a focus at CMHA with many employees growing from individual contributors to leaders.
CMHA is looking to hire a full-time 40 hours per week Senior Operating Officer. This position will be located at 233 Main St. New Britain, CT 06051 Monday-Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM.

Compensation Range: The annual salary range for this position starts at $130,000.
Compensation for each position is determined not only by years of relevant experience, education, and skills, but also by maintaining internal pay equity. CMHA also takes into consideration our benefits and paid time off package to provide a well-rounded and competitive approach to the applicant’s overall compensation.

Position Summary:
The Senior Operating Officer will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee operations activities in the organization, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet current and future needs of the organization. The Senior Operating Officer is responsible for overseeing the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Sets (HEDIS) operations. And will collaborate with agency leadership to develop strategic plans for new programming, program restructuring, and organizational development. Oversees agency performance improvement efforts including agency clinical record reviews, outcome management, accreditation and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal licensing requirements. Provide oversight to Communications Department focusing on community partners, legislative relationships, and building an effective agency marketing campaign. Also, will work with senior leaders to evaluate grant opportunities which will support strategic initiatives and agency programs, developing grant applications as needed. Completes special projects, as assigned. This position works directly with the Chief Operating Officer to ensure the organization is meeting all benchmarks and positioned for the future. Represents the agency in statewide and local provider planning and networking groups to promote agency interests.

Essential Responsibilities and Target Outcomes:
  • Leads agency strategic planning processes by working with agency leadership to translate strategic plans into new programs, program redesigns, training development, new or special projects/initiatives.
  • Research new evidence-based programs (EBPs) in order to appropriately select EBPs, secure funding and other finance strategies for implementation.
  • Provides oversight and leadership to performance improvement efforts including agency clinical record reviews, outcome management, compliance, accreditation and outcome measurement.
  • Drive Lean Six Sigma concepts and initiatives within operations of all program areas. Ensuring program areas all have a Six Sigma projects to improve the quality of services provided.
  • Develops new and innovative program initiatives and works with agency leaders on program changes and restructuring, facilitating implementation of the agency strategic plan. Accomplishes such by working with agency managers on pursuing federal, state, corporate or foundation grants or fee-for-service arrangements related to new programs or program redesign initiatives.
  • Establish the organizations Quality structure and strategy in collaboration with the market and Executive Team
  • Completes special projects involving research, analysis of programming/funding and other administrative areas to promote agency strategic directions.
  • Maintains collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, non-profit and public service/government agencies to promote new and existing initiatives and programs.
  • Provides guidance to agency leaders related to development of and compliance to policies and procedures remaining in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines.
  • Recognize risks proactively and utilize appropriate resources to develop mitigation strategies that minimize or prevent any negative operational impact
  • Oversight and management of community partner and political relationships promoting mission of the organization.
  • Development and oversight of the agencies external relations activities including agency branding, marketing and social media platforms.
  • Participates in Quality Improvement initiatives and ensures regulatory compliance with state, federal and local licensing bodies and accreditors; ensures agency credibility maintenance with relevant constituencies.
  • Oversight of the Training Dept developing clinical training goals for the organization
  • Along with Medical Director, manages agency risk related to critical incidents ensuring that agency processes each incident in accordance with state guidelines.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
  • Master’s Degree in Social Science, Public Policy or Business or equivalent experience.
  • Behavioral Health License preferred (LCSW, LPC, PHD)
  • Eight (8) years of experience in behavioral health field inclusive of a minimum of five (5) years of management experience within a behavioral health agency setting.
  • At least five (5) years of experience in program development and outcomes/quality management at a leadership level
  • At least three (3) years’ experience in external relations arena
  • Intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • CT Driver’s License.
Competencies:
Behavioral Skill Sets
  • Ability to apply knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy and Security regulations and provisions (HIPAA).
  • Solid organizational ability to balance priorities according to workload constraints and conflicting timelines while maintaining composure under pressure.
  • Ability to plan both in the long and the short-term considering the goals, challenges and changes that exist in the organization. This will include projected decision-making on deployment of staff and resources.
  • Knowledge and ability to establish appropriate courses of action to accomplish goals within realistic target dates.
  • Demonstrated ability to efficiently use CMHA resources to initiate projects, anticipate changes or needs, set and meet priorities.
  • Demonstrated competency in leading teams composed of internal staff or external collaborators.
  • Extensive knowledge of community demographics, social service needs, community strengths, social service systems and non-profit providers.
  • Knowledge of legislative process and building political relationships to assist in advocating for the organization
  • Demonstrated interpersonal/communication competency.
  • Demonstrated ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of client information and records in a manner consistent with professional and agency codes of ethics.
  • Demonstrated awareness/sensitivity to all types of issues related to client diversity, including cultural, ethnic, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender preference, physical handicap and spiritual diversity.
Leadership Competencies:

Behavioral Skill Sets
Resource Management:
Ensures adherence to CMHA budget; through intentional utilization of external resources, grants, implementation of revenue generating projects, and collaborates interdepartmentally for best practice.

Staff Management:
Sets high, attainable standards and expectations for staff. Directs assigned departments by defining expectation. Responsible for talent acquisition. Provides team feedback through individual and group supervision. Models a collaborative culture and encourages discretionary effort. Addresses and resolves employee relations issues. Provides training consistent with current and future job requirements.

Quality & Compliance:
Ensures adherence to all policies and procedures and the organization’s Mission & Values. Maintains knowledge of and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements and includes information in ongoing employee education. Participates in the development and implementation of new programs, protocols, and processes.

Customer Service/Relationship Management:
Maintains a professional, courteous, and positive demeanor in all interactions. Works collaboratively, participates in achieving common goals, shares knowledge and expertise. Conveys information clearly, listens with empathy, and accepts constructive feedback.

Professional Development:
Engages in and sustains professional affiliations. Stays current with knowledge, skills, and credentials by participating in seminars, conferences, and other educational opportunities. Reinforces new learning and development in routine supervision and oversight. Actively seeks out new information and monitors industry trends to deepen expertise in their field. Cultivates a mindset rooted in continuous learning and growth.

Strategic Planning:
Drives organizational growth by setting innovative goals and evaluating operations, leveraging strong analytical and communication skills to implement adaptive, high-impact strategies and monitor performance outcomes.

Community/Public Image:
Acts as a visible and effective ambassador for CMHA, actively participating in community and industry affairs to promote and enhance the agency's public image. Coaches and empowers staff to engage meaningfully in local, state, and national initiatives relevant to the organization’s mission. Maintains a deep understanding of emerging trends, policies, and developments that impact the organization and the communities it serves. Approaches every interaction—internal and external—with knowledge, passion, and purpose.

Personal Leadership
Guided by the ten (10) principles of personal leadership, fosters self-awareness, builds and maintains professional relationships. Focuses on continuous learning and development and strives for improvement and inspires others to do the same. Takes responsibility for one’s actions and outcomes. 1. Be in the Moment, 2. Be Authentic & Humanistic, 3. Volunteer Discretionary Effort Constantly, 4. Model High Performance – Desired Behaviors that Drive Desired Results, 5. Respect and Leverage Separate Realities, 6. Be Curious vs. Judgmental, 7. Look in the Mirror First – Be Accountable, 8. Have Courageous Conversations, 9. Provide Timely, Clear, and Specific Performance Expectations and Feedback, and 10. Teach, Coach, and Mentor – Spend at least half your time developing others.
We care about our employees by offering benefits that strike a harmonious work-life balance. We also care about your future. CMHA offers:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance packages.
  • 403(b)-retirement savings plan with CMHA matching starting after 1 year of service.
  • 11 observed holidays.
  • 3 Wellbeing days off on a Friday throughout the year to extend a long weekend.
  • 2 CHMA/Personal days to use throughout the calendar year.
  • Up to 24 days of PTO that increases with years of service.
  • Paid agency closure between Christmas and New Year’s (except 24/7 programs) *must be approved annually.
  • Company paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability.
  • A comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers counseling, coaching, and wellness resources for staff as well as members of their household.
  • Higher education tuition discounts at participating schools through the Alliance’s academic partnerships.
  • Free ongoing professional development opportunities and continuous access to Continuing Education Units (CEUs), featuring comprehensive training in Evidence-Based Practices, such as EMDR, DBT, and CBT.
  • Employee discounts for shopping, the New Britain YMCA, travel, and entertainment.
  • Free employee subscriptions to the calm app.
  • Annual Company Picnic.
  • CMHA-sponsored Loan Reimbursement Program and Scholarship Program.
  • Free Student Loan Wellness for eligible employees and their family members access to:
    • Student loan consolidation and refinancing.
    • Loan payoff projection dashboard.
    • Coaching and support via chat, email, and phone.
    • College cost calculator.
    • College financial planning.
    • 3 NHSC-approved sites for federal student loan repayment.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Enhancement for eligible employees’ access to:
    • Automated Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) form management for past and present employers.
    • Automated reminders for annual (PSLF) recertifications to help you stay on track.
    • Resources and ongoing communications that make PSLF understandable.
    • The opportunity to receive the national average of $72,000.00 in forgiveness.

Community Mental Health Affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer except in the case of a bon fide occupation qualification or as otherwise permitted or required by law, does not discriminate of the basis of race, color, age, disability, sec, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical condition including by not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familiar status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.
Any individual needing assistance completing an online application should contact CMHA's Human Resources Department at Careers@cmhacc.org.

ID

a1e150006674e5f36f57706d3f132980